James Dobson, grand poobah of Focus On The Family, is kicking and screaming like a big baby, throwing a very public hissy fit about John McCain's possible presidential nomination. He's using every ounce of influence he has, while denying that he seeks influence, to derail McCain's nomination. It's more fun than watching Bill O'Reilly deny that he said something we have videotape of him actually saying.
In part, he said:
"I am deeply disappointed the Republican Party seems poised to select a nominee who did not support a Constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, voted for embryonic stem-cell research to kill nascent human beings, opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, has little regard for freedom of speech, organized the Gang of 14 to preserve filibusters in judicial hearings, and has a legendary temper and often uses foul and obscene language."
In other words, McCain seems to think for himself and is not a conservative that has dutifully kissed the squeaky clean fannies of religious right leaders, specifically Dobson's. And suddenly Dobson has a problem with foul language, a problem he didn't have when Bush called a reporter a "major league asshole" or when Cheney told Patrick Leahy to "go fuck yourself" on the Senate floor.
On a radio show Dobson said of the possibility of electing McCain, Clinton or Obama, "I simply can't in good conscience be a party to putting any of them in power, because I believe they'll do irreparable harm to our country." Where has Dobson been for the last 7 years? Oh, yeah -- ignoring the irreparable harm Bush has done to the country. When the president gives you that kind of power, you can ignore a lot.
Power that Dobson wants to hold on to but lies about it, saying, "I just want to say for myself that I am not looking for a place at the table. I do not covet photo ops or the company of powerful people." Hope you just didn't spit out your coffee.
In just one example, in May of 2007 Dobson was invited to the White House with a bunch of other Christian righties to rally support for Bush's Iran policy. Dobson told all about the meeting on his radio show. Another time Dobson trumpeted his insider status with Bush, mentioning "confidential" information that he had been "privy to" in explaining "why I believe George Bush has made an outstanding selection" in his nomination of personal lawyer Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court. Confidential information he had privy to? Oh, sure, no desire for a place at the table there.
If I was to have dinner with Brad and Angelina, and I went on the radio and told the world about it, I would be blabbing it for one reason: so you would think I was cool and had power and influence and a place at the table, specifically Brangelina's table. Smell me, world.
Dr. Dobson needs to be reminded that if you tell a lie you are breaking a Commandment. So, unless he gets on his knees, repents and begs forgiveness, he's going to hell.
Dobson has a long history of threatening those who don't conform to his views. He told The Denver Post: "If the Republicans do what they've done in the past, which is to say, 'Thanks so much for putting us in power, now we don't want to talk to you anymore,' they will pay a severe price in four years and maybe two." He also threatened other congressmen that they would be in the "bulls eye" when up for re-election.
Another huge lie was when he said, "I am speaking for myself." Oh yeah? Then why his statement is blasted all over the Focus On The Family website and its accompanying activist action site, CitizenLink.com? And why did he go on the radio identified as Dr. James Dobson, head of Focus On The Family? Why wasn't he identified as Jimbo Dobson, private citizen?
No one who is the head of one of the country's most influential political organizations, which Focus is no matter how much they deny it and weasel out of paying their taxes, is ever just "speaking for himself" when he makes a political statement, unless he says something as innocuous as "I like broccoli."
Dobson seeks power and influence and then denies he seeks power and influence. He hides a Christian fascist agenda behind an aw shucks, folksy child psychologist personality who only wants to do good. Dobson is not about to lose his hard won influence without a fight.
Suddenly the religious right is realizing that the majority of Americans care about other issues than they do, and they don't like it one bit. And now, at long last, comes a likely Republican nominee who doesn't kneel at Dobson's altar, and Dobson wants the world to know he's not having any of it and that he's staying home and not voting and, if you're even the slightest Christian, so should you.
That deafening sound you hear is the sound of absolutely no one giving a squeaky clean rat's fanny.